Surgery next week

caseymae19 -
Re:
"As his caregiver, can anyone tell me what to expect?"

Probably an ornery old man with 12" of colon missing....!

(I have only about 12" left, and boy, am I PO'd) (all - the - time)

He's going to be in the hospital until his bowels begin moving,
so there won't be much for you to do until then, right?

When he's back home, he's probably going to have sporadic pains
from adhesions and hernias. He may be slightly dehydrated, since
drinking water isn't usually something someone feels like doing
when their insides hurt. He's going to be weak, both from the operation
and the loss of blood, and also from the anesthesia wearing off.

And probably damned depressed, both from the fact he is realizing
he has cancer - that he's lost a section of his innards - he's got
scars on his ten-pack - his wee-wee isn't working right - and the
meds have taken a toll on his liver, causing depression, and anxiety.

Anxiety... (while I'm on a roll here).... is like a panic attack. Animals
react to panic/fear through an instinct to "fight or flee". So your
old man may want to get away from everything, but he can't.... which
often leads to striking out at anything close.... with words, etc..and
sounding mean.

Buy a few lottery instant tickets, and when he acts up, toss one to
him and tell him to "go scratch".

Seriously, you are going to have to muster up a sense of humor,
because taking care of a cancer victim that's recovering from an
operation, is like kissing a porcupine's butt.

Foods that are easy to digest, and good tasting, are nice, so he's
going to appreciate gentle food, not pizza and chili.

Aside from company, and affection, and being around to get what's
needed when it's needed, there isn't much more to be needed.

He's going to need a few weeks or more to heal, depending on the
extent of the surgery. (It took me a lil' over a month in the hospital,
and almost six months total to heal, but I had some complications)

I'm assuming he's not getting an ostomy, but if he is, tell the board
about it, and everyone will fill you in...

Don't worry, he'll be fine; you'll be the wreck!

Just kiddin', you'll both do just dandy.


John

tootsie1 said:

Praying it goes well
I hope your dad will do very well with his surgery. Please let us know when you can.

*hugs*
Gail

This is how it went for me...
This was my story:

Colon Resection Surgery on Friday, May 15, 2009
(no symptoms at all but Dr. said no options since malignant lymph node found in outpatient surgery – Transanal excision of a rectal lesion – Dr. felt something not quite right – was not sure if it was old scar tissue or something else there.


On the day prior to surgery (Thursday) – Colon Prep was done. Use the tablets and then the bottle mixed with water.

I reported to the hospital at 11:00 am. They took me back at 1:00 pm and surgery was over at 3:00 pm. They removed 6 inches of the colon and reconnected it. I had 15 staples. Sore stomach. Liquid diet of broth, sweet tea, jello, popsicle.

Be sure the call button is plugged in when you arrive just in case you need it.

Released on late Monday around 4:30 pm. Slept in recliner. Easy to get up and down by myself. Use a comforter to keep me warm. First BM since surgery. It was very small in size (cat size bm – width and length).

Use the spirometer often, push the liquids (no dehydration), walk frequently.

Each Loratab was cut into 4 pieces. I only took ¼ when needed. Slept well and relaxed. Took the pain away from the stomach.

I could shower but no tub bath. Lather soap and very lightly move over incisions. Put clean water in hand and sprinkle over the incision to rinse.

Tuesday, loose stools with every meal. Stay close to restroom after eating and drinking. Get Desitin ointment to prevent sore bottom. After bm, take shower, rub with desitin around bottom and use hair dryer to dry to prevent chapping.

Dr. called to give me Pathologist’s results. One faint lymph node found out of 4 lymph nodes. Appointment made with Oncologist for Tuesday, June 2 in the morning.

Staples will be removed on May 27, 2009 at 9:00 am.

Low Residue Diet (No Whole Grains):
Light fruit cocktail – no sugar added
Vanilla Wafers – 2 cookies per meal
White Bread
Baked chicken or turkey - finely chopped
Spinach – finely chopped
Noodles - white
Rice - white
Potatoes – white
½ cup per serving

Hope this helps. Ask as many questions as you would like. We will be glad to answer them. The nurses and doctor will guide you.

Lizzy.